If checking the oil yourself, make sure the car is parked on level ground and, with most cars, the engine is cold, so you don't burn yourself on a hot engine part. (With some cars, the automaker recommends that the oil be checked after the engine has been warmed up.)
What's the most accurate way to check your oil?
Answer. We recommend checking the oil level either before turning on the engine or 5 to 10 minutes after shutting down so you can have all the oil in the oil pan to get an accurate measurement.